Transmission slipping...uhhhg!

[dtfeld]

Got my leak under control, but in the process, have a new worrisome problem, the port transmission started slipping.

Port tranny been an issue since literally day one. First trip on the boat, a port plug came loose on the port tranny, emptied all ATF into the bilge. Had Ring power service since they were inspecting the gear. They cleaned and serviced, everything ok for about 35 hours.

About 3 weeks ago, noticed a leak again. Thought maybe seals on the shift solenoid, but it turns out to be another loose plug (whole other issue as to why they are loose).

In diagnosing the problem, I remove the reverse solenoid. It is not leaking, but there is a thin oring that has a small cut, needs replacing, but still holds a seal. Looking for oring.

I reinstall the solenoid, add fluid to bring up to full, but stupid me, forget to reinstall fill/check plug, and head out for a test run.

Throttle up and about 1 minute later, I get slippage, immediately pull it back, and remember I never installed the fill cap. Go into bilge and reinstall the cap. All looks ok.

I have one more slippage at a high idle, then anchor up for a while to contemplate next move. Finally decide to motor home at idle. Get moving, but completely loose forward gear, reverse is good. Stop shut down and add a little ATF. Fire back up, I again have both gears. I motor home at idle...no more issues.

What next??? Did I smoke a very expensive transmission?

 

[dtfeld]

Well, took her out tonight. Checked all fluid levels before heading out.

I pushed it up to 2200, 2300 then 2400. Transmission held tight. I guess just a little air in the system.

Whew!!!!

 

[peterkvs]

Make sure that your filter caps are not leaking. If they are not air tight they can suck in air which reduces the pressure in the trans which will cause it to slip and eventually kill it. The filter cap design sucks, and after a few years of vibrating the original o ring just won't suffice. I bought a number 407 o ring which solved the problem nicely. It pisses me off that sea ray did not put trans pressure and temp indicators on the dash.

 

[dtfeld]

Thanks for the advice. Both sides are holding a little pressure. I can hear it when I check fluids.

The oring I really need is under the solenoid valve. New solenoid is $300 that includes the oring. Oring not available separately. I will have to pull and measure that oring after things slow down next week.

 

[dtfeld]

Make sure that your filter caps are not leaking. If they are not air tight they can suck in air which reduces the pressure in the trans which will cause it to slip and eventually kill it. The filter cap design sucks, and after a few years of vibrating the original o ring just won't suffice. I bought a number 407 o ring which solved the problem nicely. It pisses me off that sea ray did not put trans pressure and temp indicators on the dash.

I agree with you on the instrumentation. My starboard transmission slipped yesterday, so I may check these filter housing. Previous owners service guy had a bad tendency to leave things over/under torqued. I think I need to add some pressure senders. Might as well add temp senders as well. Would be cheaper than 2 new trans.